Students learn Argentine tango on campus

Multiple people glided across the floor, holding each other’s arms, as they learned a traditional dance. 

On March 24, during activity hour at Kirkwood Community College, Hispanic Horizons hosted two community instructors in Iowa Room A to teach students, staff and faculty how to tango.

The specific type of tango is Argentine tango, and as Karen Jackson described it, “Argentine tango is a fusion of African and Argentine influences that started in Buenos Aires among the working-class neighborhoods in the 19th century.”

Many of the students did not know it was specifically Argentine tango; however, they enjoyed learning how to dance it nonetheless.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the enthusiasm and their willingness to embrace something new,” said Jackson. “My greatest joy in teaching is to introduce something new to people who are willing to embrace the experience. Kirkwood students did that.”

It is important for students to have the desire to try new things, and being on a college campus where the expectation is to expand one’s mind and worldview, events like this are especially crucial.

Jackson commented on the importance of bringing cultural dance like the Argentine tango into college spaces.

“College campuses are places for all types of learning experiences and opening minds to new knowledge, adventures and wonderment. Dance and music cross all cultures, races and sexualities,” she said. “As you learn the dance and then share it with another person at whatever level of dance you enjoy, you have added a new dimension to your life that may enrich your future through research, travel and meeting new people.”

Hispanic Horizons member and event attendee Kevin Slyter said students enjoy events where they can dance.

“You learn about other cultures that might not be your own, and you have fun,” he said. “The way people dance helps people connect. Most people enjoy dancing across different cultures. It helps them have a sense of community, enjoy life and be physically active.”

Jackson said she hopes that students have this takeaway: “Whether it is a sense of adventure, a peek into a new culture, a reach beyond your comfort level or a connection to other people through dance and music, the rewards are endless — choose your own adventure!”